Double-Quick Step To Richmond

Double-Quick Step To Richmond

John McLenan

This cartoon, published in Harper's Weekly shortly after the beginning of the Civil War, depicted an unidentified Union soldier chasing an unidentified Confederate Soldier to Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate capital. This cartoon showed that most Unionists were under the impression that the war would end quickly, with minimal fighting. It also displayed the confidence that the Union had in its own ability to contain the Confederate threat without resorting to significant fighting. It also obviously strongly favored the Union, as it portrayed the Confederate soldier as a bedraggled, malnourished drunkard, and portrayed the Union soldier as robust, healthy, and strong. Published only months after the beginning of the Civil War, the cartoon made apparent the general attitude of the Union in regard to the ease with which they would succeed. The artist, John McLenan, was a caricaturist who was active from 1852 to 1865. He also illustrated Great Expectations, a novel by Charles Dickens.

"Double-Quick Step To Richmond," Harper's Weekly, July 13, 1861

1861-07-13

Alexandra Johnston